With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo Essay: Tart Restaurant (Re)Launch Party
We attended the relaunch party of Tart, restaurant of Farmer's Daughter Hotel across the street from The Grove in West Hollywood, earlier this week where we were invited to sample the redone menu of new executive chef Lauren Kyles, formerly of Hollywood's The Green Door. We had arrived at the party starving for dinner but fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, crawfish spring rolls, bourbon glazed beef sate, and fried chicken sliders to name a few kept us sated.
We're not familiar with the old menu but what we tried during this event was pretty durn good. They even gave a "demonstration" of the "off-the-menu" cowboy steak which is grilled and then smoked in alfalfa hay. It was oh-so tender and perfectly spiced! Unfortunately we were still so full from the constant stream of passed appetizers that we couldn't exactly bring ourselves to take more than a couple samples of the steak.
Turns out Tart even has a full bar and a specialty cocktail list. This night, three cocktails were featured: Southern Mojito made with Southern Comfort (a special for the night and not on the menu), lemonberry tartini and raspberry tartini. Normally these run $12. Looking at the drink menu, though, we'd be inclined to come back to try the Gentleman's Margarita ($12) made of Gentleman Jack whiskey and lime juice. Most everything else on the list is the typical flavored-vodka-with-juice variety. We also asked for a Manhattan. They don't have rye at the bar but the Wild Turkey we opted for made the cocktail nice and dry.
The bar area consists of only the bar with bar stools. The rest of the room, now with a huge glass window to allow for more light and to be more eye-catching on busy Fairfax Avenue, is restaurant seating. There is also an outdoor patio with stringed lights but that is restaurant seating as well. Just as well the restaurant/bar closes at 11pm.
Support for LAist comes from
Apparently last year there was some dispute between the Farmer's Daughter and its surrounding neighbors when the neighbors didn't take too kindly to the restaurant's bid to become a happening nightspot with DJs and events. Now the restaurant only plays music indoors and if there is a dj, the volume is down low.
As for reviews that Tart is suffering from an identity crisis and inconsistent food/service, we spoke briefly with owner Pete Picataggio who said that he doesn't pay too much mind to reviews, i.e. on Yelp and Trip Advisor, unless constructive criticism is offered. In which case he will consider suggestions and even write the reviewers back.
If anything, Tart is a fine place for the hotel's guests to chill if they don't want to venture across the street to Farmer's Market and the Grove for eats and cocktails. But we wonder if it'll still be provocative enough to Fairfax passers-by or those deciding where to have a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner. Prices aren't so casual, ranging from $5.95-$13.95 for breakfast and brunch, $10.95-$14.95 for lunch and $12.95-$29.95 for dinner.
Tart Restaurant at Farmer's Daughter Hotel
115 S. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036 (map)
(323) 937-3930
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist